Story Highlight
– Six agricultural workers have died since April 1.
– Recent fatalities involve injuries from gates and equipment.
– Campaigners emphasize urgent need for improved farm safety.
– Training awareness is insufficient; action is crucial.
– Farmers advised to prioritize safety during silage season.
Full Story
Farm safety advocates are ramping up efforts to highlight dangers present in agricultural workplaces following the recent deaths of two workers, as reported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). These fatalities have raised the number of lives lost in the agriculture sector to six since the beginning of April this year.
On May 5, a tragic incident occurred in Shropshire where a farmworker was fatally injured while attempting to repair a cattle gate. Preliminary investigations suggest that the worker was struck by the gate as it fell. In a separate incident in South Devon on April 30, another agricultural worker lost their life due to a raised trailer collapsing while he was working underneath it, resulting in severe crushing injuries.
Jill Hewitt, the chief executive of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors, expressed the deep shock felt throughout the industry in light of these incidents. “We have sadly lost a member of the farming community every week for the last couple of months,” she commented. “This is horrific, shocking and becoming far too common.”
While reflecting on the situation, Hewitt emphasised the need for cautious conversation surrounding such tragedies, stating, “We mustn’t speculate as it doesn’t help and these are recent tragedies. I really don’t know what else to say, except to send condolences to all those involved.”
In light of these events, she urged farmers and contractors to be vigilant regarding workplace safety, especially during maintenance and repair operations. “People have to be taking this safety more seriously and take steps to make the workplace a lot safer,” she emphasised. “This is a real risk on everybody’s farmyard now. We need everyone to sit up and recognise this. Before you do operations on a farm, do a mental risk assessment. Ask yourself: is this task going to be dangerous? We need to make sure everyone knows and understands the risks.”
Adding to the conversation, Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, also known as Yellow Wellies, expressed her sorrow over the continued tragedies affecting the agricultural industry. “There is something deeply saddening about seeing these tragedies continue to happen across the industry,” she stated. “Despite the training, awareness and experience that exist within farming, too many families are still facing the heartbreak of losing someone they love.”
Berkeley highlighted that even seasoned workers might overlook potential hazards due to their familiarity with specific tasks. “It’s not enough to know the risks; we must act as though they apply to every one of us, every single day,” she cautioned. “Farming asks a great deal of people, but no job is worth a life.”
Clive Johnson, the head of health and safety for the Duchy of Lancaster estate, stressed that accidents or health issues should never be considered an acceptable part of agricultural work. “The way I have worked with contractors is making farm safety personal and relevant, such as how it impacts on their choices and actions,” Johnson remarked. He encouraged workers to engage in scenario planning by asking, “What could go wrong? Think ‘what if’, not ‘if only’.”
Statistics reflect a sobering reality, as agriculture remains the sector with the highest workplace fatality rate in the UK. The figures for the financial year ending April 1, 2026, indicate that 33 individuals lost their lives in incidents related to farming in Great Britain. Key hazards include machinery accidents, vehicle incidents, livestock interactions, and crushing accidents.
As the silage season approaches, additional calls for enhanced safety measures have been made. Both NFU Mutual and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) have cautioned that silage-making involves several risky factors, including long working hours, powerful machinery, and challenging ground conditions, which heighten the likelihood of accidents if tasks are rushed.
Experts advise that all machinery, particularly forage harvesters, trailers, mowers, and balers that may have been idle for an extended period, must undergo thorough servicing prior to use. Checks on brakes, tyres, lights, PTO shafts, and safety guards are essential before any operation begins.
Farmers are encouraged to carry out field inspections prior to commencing cutting activities. These assessments can help identify wet areas, slippery slopes, obstacles, and overhead power lines that pose risks. Workers should also receive briefings on potential dangers both on the farm and on public roads. It is vital that the “Safe Stop” procedure—engaging the handbrake, shutting down the engine, and removing the key prior to starting maintenance or clearing blockages—is adhered to rigorously.
Dangerous situations often arise in silage clamps, where risks of falls, overturns, and hazardous gases are prevalent. The Farm Safety Partnership has issued detailed guidance regarding these issues. It is also critical to ensure that children and untrained visitors are kept at a safe distance from areas where machinery is in operation.
As the agricultural community continues to grapple with the repercussions of these incidents, the emphasis on raising awareness regarding safety standards remains a pressing concern, underscoring the importance of prioritising health and safety across the industry.
Our Thoughts
The tragic fatalities in the agricultural sector highlight significant lapses in safety practices. Key lessons that could be learned include the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments prior to undertaking tasks, particularly during maintenance work, as suggested by the recent comments from safety professionals. The HSE emphasizes adherence to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which require employers to assess risks and implement necessary measures to protect workers.
In the incidents mentioned, inadequate safeguards during equipment repairs likely played a critical role. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 mandate that equipment must be safe for use and maintained appropriately. Additionally, failing to properly secure or stabilize machinery and equipment can lead to crushing injuries, thus conflicting with the regulations regarding safe working procedures.
To prevent similar incidents, ongoing safety training and fostering a culture of proactive risk management are essential. Emphasizing the importance of “thinking ahead” in all operations can mitigate risks. Regular safety checks of machinery and clear communication about potential hazards must be reinforced across the industry. Lastly, ensuring that bystanders, especially children, are kept away from work areas aligns with regulations on protecting vulnerable individuals from workplace hazards.
